WRAIR–NMODHIP collaboration hailed for transforming HIV care, boosting research, and strengthening Nigeria’s health system
By Damilola Abiola
Senior leaders from Nigeria and the United States on Tuesday gathered at the Abuja Continental Hotel to celebrate two decades of collaboration between the Nigeria Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (NMODHIP) and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR).
The event, marking the 20th anniversary of the partnership, brought together top defence and health officials from both governments, including Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, and General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff.
In his welcome address, Brigadier General I.B. Solebo, Director General of NMODHIP, described the collaboration as a model of resilience and innovation.
“The MODHIP and WRAIR partnership has strengthened Nigeria’s military and public health response, provided access to HIV care, built world-class laboratories, and trained thousands of health workers,” he said. “It stands as a model of impact for soldiers, families, and communities.”
Dr. Matawalle praised the enduring relationship, noting its life-saving contributions to Nigeria’s defence health and national security.
“The successes achieved over the past 20 years are remarkable. This partnership is a significant pillar of our health system, and we remain grateful to the U.S. government for its steadfast support,” he said.
Since its establishment in 2005, the WRAIR–NMODHIP partnership has become a cornerstone of military-to-military health cooperation in Nigeria. It has supported HIV programming through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), malaria interventions under the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and biosafety and infectious disease research.
Over the years, more than 69,000 Nigerians have been initiated on antiretroviral therapy, 1.6 million tested for HIV, and more than 2,000 healthcare workers trained. The partnership has also upgraded over 50 laboratories, including the commissioning of a state-of-the-art TB Modular Laboratory in Abuja last year.
Ambassador Mills described the collaboration as a triumph of science and shared commitment.
“This partnership has not only been about scientific advancement; it has been a testament to the power of unity,” he said. “Together, we have shown that by working hand in hand, we can produce extraordinary results that serve our communities better.”
Closing the ceremony, Helina Meri, Country Director of WRAIR-Africa in Nigeria, emphasized the shared vision that underpins the collaboration.
“This partnership exemplifies the power of science, cooperation, and dedication in advancing the well-being of humanity,” she said.
As the partnership enters its third decade, both nations pledged to deepen cooperation and expand efforts to tackle emerging health challenges.